India's Akash Deep, right, appeals unsuccessfully for the leg before wicket of England's Joe Root. (AP Photo)
NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder
Irfan Pathan
showered praise on
Akash Deep
for his impactful
debut performance
in the ongoing fourth Test against England in Ranchi.
The right-arm seamer showcased his talent by claiming a three-wicket haul on the first morning of the match.
Pathan commended Akash's achievement, highlighting the challenges faced by
fast bowlers
making their debut in India.
"As a batter you want your debut to happen in India but as a fast bowler you dream to have your debut in England, Australia, South Africa or New Zealand," Pathan remarked to PTI during the New Delhi Marathon on Sunday.
He further lauded Akash's performance in the match's first session, emphasizing the significance of his three wickets.
"The way he bowled in the first session of the match and to pick up three wickets is commendable. We can only hope to see Akash's career graph go up from here," Pathan added.
Additionally, Pathan hailed opening batter
Yashasvi Jaiswal
for his notable achievement in the series, becoming only the fifth Indian to accumulate 600 or more runs in a Test series.
"Yashasvi Jaiswal is a very special cricketer, he has a very bright future and he will make it big," Pathan expressed his confidence in the young cricketer.
Reflecting on India's potential as a sporting nation, Pathan emphasized the significance of events like the New Delhi Marathon.
"To participate in such events is really special. I have always believed that India can become a sporting nation," Pathan stated, highlighting the enthusiasm of participants and their desire for fitness and involvement in sporting activities.
With over twenty thousand participants in the marathon, Pathan observed the widespread eagerness for fitness and sports participation, underscoring the positive trajectory towards India's sporting aspirations.
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(With inputs from PTI)